Dodgers: Nakamura set to report on Tuesday
The News
The Dodgers' potential new third baseman is slated to arrive in camp on Tuesday. Japanese infielder Norihiro Nakamura, who signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers earlier this month, has reportedly resolved his visa problems. Nakamura had a career .263 average with 307 homers and 916 RBI in his 13-year career with the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. He was named an All-Star eight times.
Our View
Nakamura will get a long look at third base this spring and may wind up splitting time at the position with Jose Valentin. If that happens, Antonio Perez will be pushed back into a utility role; however, Perez could take over at second base if Jeff Kent is moved to first in place of Hee-Seop Choi.

The Dodgers needed only a minor league contract offer to lure the slugging Japanese third baseman to the U.S., where he will compete with Olmedo Saenz for right-handed platoon at-bats at both corner infield spots. However, Nakamura is unlikely to take significant playing time from scheduled starters Hee-Seop Choi and Jose Valentin, and he's also rehabilitating from offseason knee surgery. Nakamura has big-time power, averaging 42 homers over his three-year peak from 2000 to 2002, and he's not afraid to take a walk. But with his health and playing time both in question, he's only worth a gamble in deep NL-only leagues.